The Prophet Muhammad SAW Wore His Ring On His Right Hand

HADITH 1

Saiyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib RA says:

"Rasulullah SAW wore his ring in the right hand."


COMMENTARY

Various narrations have been quoted regarding whether the Prophet Muhammad SAW wore the ring on his right or the left hand. A group of Muhadditheen (Compilers of Ahadith) have preferred the view that he wore the ring on his right hand. This is the view of Imam Bukhari RA, Imam Tirmidhi RA, and other Muhadditheen.

Some Ulama have concluded that the Prophet SAW wore it on the right hand most of the time, but also sometimes wore it on the left hand. The Ulama hence differ as to which hand it is best to wear a ring.

Among the Hanafi Ulama there are different opinions. A few say it is best to wear it on the left hand and others say both hands are equal. Shaami RA has quoted both views. Mulla Ali Qaari RA has quoted a saying of the Hanafis - that it is best to wear it on the right hand. According to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, the view stated by Shaami RA is more acceptable. Imam Nawawi RA has stated that it is permissible according to the majority of the Ulama, to wear it on either hand without Karaahah (dissaproval). The Maalikis state it is better to wear it on the left hand.

n short both are proven from the Hadith. The Ulama have also given preference to both. It is mentioned in Durri Mukhtaar from Qahistani RA that it has become a symbol of the Rawaafids (the Shi'ites) to wear a ring on the right hand, therefore it is compulsary to abstain from wearing it on the right hand. However the author of Durri Mukhtaar says that it is possible that it was the symbol of the Rawaafid at that time and now it is not. Shaykh Cangohi RA writes in his kitaab entitled - Kaukabi Durri - that because the wearing of the ring on the left hand is the symbol of the Rawaafid, it is Makruh (undesirable) to do so. Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri RA has given the same view in his - Badhlul Majhud - and has also written that although there is a difference of opinion whether the Rawaafid are Muslims or non-Muslims, there is no difference of opinion in that they are Faasiqs (sinful people). It is very important to save one's self from imitating the Fussaaq (plural of Faasiq).

HOWEVER - Now after the Iranian Revolution the belief of the Rawaafid (Shi'ites) has been openly propagated and made known. They reject the fundamental beliefs of Islam and hence are apostates and out of the fold of Islaam.


HADITH 2

Hammaad bin Salamah RA says that he saw Abdur Rahman bin Abi Rafi' RA wearing a ring on his right hand. He asked him the reason and he replied:

"I had seen Abdullah bin Ja'far RA wearing a ring on his right hand, and he said that he had seen the Prophet of Allah SAW wear a ring on the right hand."



HADITH 3

It is related from Abdullah bin Ja'far RA from another source (another chain of narrators) that the Prophet of Allah SAW wore a ring on the right hand.



COMMENTARY

In a particular Hadith, it has also been stated that beauty and elegance is more appropriate to the right hand. Therefore Ibn Hajar RA, who is an Imam of the Science of Hadith says:

"After studying that Hadith, I have found that if it is worn for elegance and beauty, it should be worn on the right hand, and if it is worn for use as a seal or stamp it should be worn on the left hand, as it is easier to remove from the left hand when using it."

It is mentioned in the Ahadith that the ring was worn on both hands (right and left).



HADITH 4

Jabir bin Abdullah RA says:

"The Prophet of Allah SAW wore the ring on the right hand."



HADITH 5

Salt bin Abdullah RA said:

"Abdullah ibn Abbas RA wore a ring on the right hand, and as far as I can remember he used to say that the Prophet of Allah SAW also wore it on the right hand."



COMMENTARY

Imam Tirmidhi RA has written this Hadith briefly. It is mentioned with more detail in the collection of Imam Abu Dawud RA.

Ibn Ishaq RA says:

"I have seen Salt wear a ring on the smallest finger of his right hand. I enquired the reason from him.

He replied:

"I have seen Ibn Abbas RA wearing it in this manner. The top part of the ring was facing outwards, as far as I can recall he was talking about the Prophet of Allah SAW and said that the Prophet of Allah SAW wore it in the same manner." "

Two things are mentioned in this Hadith. One is that the top part was kept on the outer side of the finger. It is stated in the Badhlul Majhud and Mirqaatus Su'ud that it is more correct to wear the top part of the ring facing the inside (towards the palms). This has also been stated in many narrations. This is also mentioned in the Hadith appearing hereafter. Shaykh Munaawi RA says that this is best because it protects the stone and saves one from pride and high mindedness.

The second matter referred to is the wearing of the ring on the smallest finger. Imam Nawawi RA says that it is Sunnah to do so according to the Ijmaa' (Consensus of Scholars). Shaami RA states that the ring should be on this finger, and the stone should face towards the palm for men, and towards the outside for women, as they wear it for beauty and elegance.



HADITH 6

Hazrat Abdllah ibn Umar RA reports:

"The Prophet of Allah SAW had a ring made of silver. The top portion remained towards the inside. On it was engraved 'Muhammad the Rasul of Allah'. The people were prohibited from making this inscription on their rings. This is the same ring which fell from the hands of Mu'ayqib RA into the well of Arees during the reign of Saiyidina Uthman RA."



COMMENTARY

The reason for the Prophet of Allah SAW prohibiting the Sahabah RA to make the same inscription on their rings is because the Sahabah RA followed and imitated the Prophet of Allah SAW in every sphere of life, and by doing so it was feared that there would be a confusion with the original seal.

Mu'ayqib RA was a Companion of the Prophet SAW and the guardian (keeper) of the ring of the Prophet of Allah SAW. When the Prophet of Allah SAW did not wear the ring it was kept by Mu'ayqib RA. In the same manner it was kept by him during the reign of Saiyidina Abu Bakr RA, Saiyidina Umar RA and Saiyidina Uthman RA.

During the reign of Saiyidina Uthman RA, while sitting at the well of Arees, Mu'ayqib RA was giving the ring to Saiyidina Uthman RA or was taking it from him and it accidentally fell into the well. This incident is mentioned in many Ahadith. As to whether it fell from the hands of Saiyidina Uthman RA or from the hands of Mu'ayqib RA, the Ulama have adopted the view that it was the latter. Both Ahadith agree that it happened between them.



HADITH 7

Imam Muhammad Baaqir RA relates that Saiydina Hasan RA and Saiydina Husain radiyallahu RA, both wore their rings on their left hands.


COMMENTARY

This hadith is of course very much in contrary to the ones mentioned above by Imam Tirmidhi RA. It is stated there that the ring was worn on the right hand. An explanation can be given that the intention here is to indicate that after mentioning all the Ahadith, this narration that is contrary to the others may be of a weak chain. According to Shaykhul Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Khandalwi RA, the mentioning of the right hand shows that this is the preferred method. This narration under discussion indicates that this too is permissible. Some of the learned have explained that in translations, according to the practice of the Muhadditheen, the word, 'am fee yasaarihi' has been removed i.e. the Prophet of Allah SAW used to wear the ring on the right hand or the left. According to this explanation no narration will be different from a translation.



HADITH 8

It is related from Anas RA that the Prophet of Allah SAW wore a ring on the right hand, and some people have also related from Anas RA that the Prophet of Allah SAW wore a ring on the left hand.


COMMENTARY

The findings of Imam Tirmidhi RA are that both these Ahadith are incorrect, which would mean that Anas RA could not ascertain the correct hand.

The Muhadditheen take great precautions and study each part of a Hadith in detail to determine which portion is correct, and which is incorrect in that respective Hadith, although in other Ahaadith this has been ascertained to be correct. Consequently, today - the subject of Hadith has been carefully preserved and has spread in the world with Nur (Light of Guidance).

Many Ahadith prove that the Prophet of Allah SAW wore the ring on both the right or the left hand. The Ahadith where he wore it on the right hand have been mentioned. The Ahaadith regarding his (SAW) wearing it on the left hand are stated in the Sunan Abu Dawud and Sahih Muslim etc.

Imam Nawawi RA informs that both type of Ahaadith are correct. It is a practice of the Muhadditheen, that although if three Ahaadith are correct (on a subject) and due to some special rule it does not comply with the standard, they will mention their views on this special rule. Therefore, Imam Tirmidhi has made a comment here.


HADITH 9

Abdllah ibn Umar RA relates that the Prophet of Allah SAW had a ring made of gold which he wore on his right hand. The Sahabah RA in imitating the Prophet of Allah sallallahu SAW also had gold rings made for themselves. Thereafter, the Prophet of Allah SAW threw away the gold ring and said - "I will never wear it again."


COMMENTARY

During the early periods of Islam, it was permissible for men to wear gold in the early periods of Islam. Subsequently, this was ordained Haraam for men. All the Ulama are unanimous in that it is Haraam for men to wear gold. Imam Nawawi RA has also stated the unanimous verdict of the Ulama in this respect. This subject is discussed at length in the books of Fiqh.

A Brief Tazkirah On How Muslims Should Dress

An important aspect that must be observed in Islam is how we dress. This applies for both - male and female. Indeed, the outer physical appearance of a person usually is also a sign of what one has in the heart. Therefore, the unique Islamic way of dress is one of many things that differentiates Muslims with non-Muslims.

The Bounty of Clothing

Clothing definitely counts as one amongst the infinite bounties of Allah SWT, and this is described by Allah SWT in the Qur'an:

"O Children of Adam! We have sent down upon you a dress which may conceal your shameful parts and sent down feathers (or splendid garments) and the dress of piety (Taqwa) that is the best of all." (Surah Al-A'raaf: Ayat 26)

The above ayat literally shows what clothing is permissible and what clothing is prescribed as best in Deen. It is so unfortunate today that even Muslim men and women are totally ignoring this Divine Commandment.

A Brief History of Clothing

The first dress ever worn by humans on earth was - leaves.

This is again mentioned by Allah SWT in the Holy Qur'an, again in the same Surah:

"And when they tasted the forbidden tree, their private parts become exposed and they began to cover themselves with leaves." (Surah Al-A'raaf: Ayat 22)

In the above ayat, Allah SWT is mentioning about the story of the Prophet Adam AS and the mother of mankind: Hawa AS - that when Allah SWT had forbidden them to go near a particular tree, they committed an act that had been forbidden by Allah; and then their satr (private parts) became visible. So in an act of modesty, they began to cover themselves with leaves.

As times changed, the style of clothing also changed. Slowly, it changed to two pieces of clothing. Then came three pieces of clothing. Then slowly came the trousers, sleeves, collars and cuffs which is what is worn today.

Even those people who revert to Islam like the Muslim way of dress:

"I like being a Muslim because of the unique code of dressing, which is also set down by Allah for us to follow. This code of dressing sets a lot of moral standards in this world where morality is lacking greatly."

Dressing in an Islamic way attracts a few remarks but also a great deal of respect. It also benefits us because we are not caught up in the constant changes of fashion, which in their own way bring about social problems. Young men and young women today find themselves caught up in bad happenings just to keep up with the trends of fashion.

Dressing Islamically also allows one to be easily recognised wherever he/she goes. We should show the dignity of the fact that we are Muslims. It also allows Muslims to know one another and greet each other with "Assalaamu'alaikum".

Another beauty of the Islamic dress is that it brings about discipline; thus, when dressing Islamically, we will always want to be on our best behaviour and guard our manners at all times, to respect our Lord and religion. What all society can see are "your clothes", which gives you your identity.

Sunnah Clothing

In general, Islam has got no fixed standards of dress, as dress is regulated by necessities according to geographical conditions of countries. In cold conditions, warm clothes are necessary for the protection of the body. Similarly, in hot countries, thin clothes are mostly the norm. However, in hot countries, this does not mean that we take to wearing clothes so thin, that wearing just them reaches almost to nakedness, which is undoubtedly unlawful in Islam.

Our main object of wearing clothes is covering our satr (private parts) and protection of the body from hot and cold conditions. The satr has been defined as the parts of the person which is indecent to expose. For a man this is what consists between the navel and the knee. It is the entire body for a female except the palms.

Trousers

The Prophet SAW recommended the use of trousers to the length of the lower portion of the leg. It may however, be lengthened above the ankle and shortened below the knee.

Abdullah ibn Umar RA narrates that the Prophet SAW said:

"When a man lets flow his trousers out of vanity, Allah Ta'ala will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection."

It has also been reported by Abu Hurairah RA that the Prophet SAW said:

"Whatever flows of trousers below the ankles will be in the Hell fire." (Bukhari)

This clearly shows that our trousers should not exceed below our ankles as it gives an air of vanity and also catches dirt of the way.

Shirts and Robes

The Holy Prophet SAW used a single long robe and recommended it for others, as it covers the major portion of the body.

Stockings and Socks

The Holy Prophet SAW used socks for protection of his feet from heat, cold and pricking shrubs on the way. He also wore leather socks. He also showed us how to wear shoes by wearing the right shoe first then the left. And when removing them vice versa.

Turban and Cap

There are several traditions about the use of a cap and turban.

Mughairah ibn Shu'bah RA narrates that the Prophet SAW performed Wudhu and made Masah of the front portion of his head as well as of his turban and leather socks. (Riwayat Muslim)

The Sahabah RA also used to wear caps depending on the weather too. In the hot days, the cap used to be of thin material and on cold days it used to cover their ears. The Sahabah RA and the Mashaa'ikh / Pious Scholars RA wore this. So it has a symbol for Muslims. Should we ignore wearing them? It has also been proven from Hadith that the Prophet SAW wore a black coloured turban and also a white turban from other narrations. As for the cap, it is reported from Abdullah ibn Umar RA that the Prophet SAW wore a white cap.

Colour of Dress

The colours of cloth most favourable to the Prophet SAW is white because it shows purity. Dirtiness is manifested more vividly in white cloth which therefore requires constant cleaning. White will be the colour which we take to our graves. This is good from a sanitary point of view.

The Prophet SAW also prohibited men from the wearing of red-coloured cloth, as it is indecent.
It is reported in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet Muhammad SAW disliked yellow as it is associated with women. These are just some brief points. We will cover this topic in more detail in the future, InshaAllah.

Important Points to Ponder

The most important points in the Ahadith of Rasullullah SAW regarding dressing are:

1. The clothes should conceal the body adequately.

2. They should impart dignity and good appearance.

3. They should not fail to satisfy the requirements of adequate concealment of the body.

4. Nor should they be so ugly and clumsy that instead of enhancing beauty, they mar the wearer's appearance.

Women Clothing

A woman must ensure that her clothing does not resemble that of men and vice-versa; nor should the clothing resemble the peculiar dress of disbelievers.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an:

"O Prophet ! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the Believers to draw over them their cloaks (veils). That in the least so that they be recognised and not be molested." (Surah Al-Ahzaab: Ayat 59)

"And remain within you homes and do not make an exhibition (of yourselves) like the displays (of the immoral women) of former times of ignorance." (Surah Al-Ahzaab: Ayat 33)

Rasullullah SAW has given a warning against wearing transparent clothing which makes the body visible or light clothing which emphasizes or highlights the figure of the body.

Rasulullah SAW said (mafhum):

"Many women are clothed but naked in reality. Such women will never enter Paradise nor will they smell its fragrance."

Even transparent and netted scarves are worn to deliberately display hair and parts of the body. Women who wear transparent or tight-fitting clothing should reflect over the remark of Rasulullah SAW that such women are infact naked! How shameful indeed to remain naked in this world and as a consequence, they won't even smell the fragrance of Paradise.

CONCLUSION

Clothes should be considered a great bounty of Allah SWT and one should wear them and express gratitude to Allah SWT. Undoubtedly if all clothes are worn whilst taking heed of the Divine Laws of Allah, it will be considered as a form of Ibadah too and will become a means of nearness to Allah SWT.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Whomsoever utters the following supplication after wearing clothes, all his past sins will be forgiven-

"All praises are due to Allah who clothed me with this and which He bestowed upon me without any toil and effort on my part"."

Above Ankles 102

Rasulullah SAW said:

"The area of the garment (which covers) beyond the ankles is in the fire." (Mishkaat)

Trousers Above Ankles

It is prohibited to wear pants below the ankle at all times.

Rasulullah SAW said:

"Allah will not look at a person with mercy who lowers his pants below his ankle." (Bukhari)